Slipstream Xp-sp2 Enable Big Lba Auto

[Spinman]

In the past, I have always used an answer file with my installation - specifying enable big LBA - and as a result - have never had any problems installing new drives and accessing data on large capacity drives.

I read that SP1 and SP2 automatically turn on LBA - and with my last install, did not use an answerfile - installing from a slipstream SP2 disk (created from an original version oem disk).

Today I am trying to install a new 250g disk and it will only partition to 137g. Using the vendor installation software and norton partition magic - can only access the 137g limitation.

[i have several 160g, 200g, and 250g drives currently in the system - formatted and installed prior to my last rebuild - I seem to have no problems accessing those drives and data].

I went into the registry and added a line to activate LBA - sill no go....

I attached the new drive to a machine running media center 2005 - and with partition magic - I was able to increase the 137g partition to the full capacity of 238g.

Returning the drive back to the original machine - it now tells me that the drive is not formatted - would I like to format it?. When I answer yes - I get a message shortly thereafter that windows is unable to complete the format.

1) Do I need to install a slipstream installation with an answerfile in order to achieve LBA capacity - or should it be turned on automatically?

2) Is there a way to turn it on manually - (which my registry hack apparently did not achieve)?

3) Are my existing drives in excess of 137g in danger of corruption if I continue to run this system (should I do another installation with the answer file to activate LBA?)

Thanks -

[mc134]

Probably a BIOS limitation instead of a Windows one. Try going to Maxtor and downloading the MAxBlast program. It is a work-around to this limitation. I have used this in the past with success. Hope this helps.